All are welcome to attend the evening celebration to honour a loved one who has passed away.

The candlelit glow from the church will shine as bright in spirit as the society’s recent gala of glitz and glamour.

It can be a hectic time of year, gearing up for the holiday season. Sometimes it’s difficult to take appropriate time to grieve during a season where everyone is expected to be happy and light.

Jennifer Dacre, Palliative Services Coordinator at the Chilliwack Hospice Society explained how important it is to slow down for a moment and remember.

The Memorial Celebration offers an opportunity to do so.

“Even if a person doesn’t wish to speak about their loved one, they’re sharing a space with others who understand how it feels,” Dacre said.

“That alone is incredibly valuable.”

Dacre also said that regardless of how long ago the loved one had passed, it’s important to acknowledge their continued presence in our lives.

“Grieving is a supportive and loving process that brings us all together,” Dacre said.

Angelo Rea from Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes will be speaking from the heart at the event. He’ll talk about the experience of losing someone and how reaching out to the community for support can help in the healing process.